The Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDC) was originally incorporated as the "Missoula Jobs Development Corporation" on July 7, 1980. The idea for the creation of a separate non-profit corporation "grew out" of the economic development committee of the Missoula Chamber of Commerce. At that time, in the early 1980s, the Missoula economy was in a freefall due to the national recession and Missoula's heavy dependence on the wood products industry. In 1979, almost 40% of the county's labor income came from the wood and paper products sector.

MISSION             BOARD OF DIRECTORS                     

The new organization was seen as a "proactive" and highly-focused entity, needed to promote economic diversification in the region, to help create employment opportunities for Missoula County residents, and to take a leadership position on community issues affecting the local economy.